Page 126 - KZN Top Busines Portfolio 2020/21

UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL
(UKZN) FOUNDATION

Prof Anesh Maniraj Singh
www.foundation.ukzn.ac.za

FUNDING ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY high net worth individuals, alumni and the general
public. This relationship is well coordinated through
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Foundation regular correspondence via the in-house newsletter
is the fundraising arm of the institution. The as well as through the UKZN Foundation website.
Foundation is headed up by the executive director Said Prof Singh, “Maintaining these relationships
Professor Anesh Maniraj Singh who was appointed is essential to driving the UKZN Foundation’s
in 2016. fundraising programme.”
“The primary function of the Foundation is to provide The Foundation provides a one stop service for donors
professional fund raising service that benefits all as well as undertakes all administration functions,
our stakeholders, including students, academics, including providing tax certificates and support
society and the various strategic projects of UKZN,” documentation for Broad-Based Black Economic
said Prof Singh. Empowerment (B-BBEE) spend. As a nonprofit
Of importance is that the Foundation strives to organisation, the UKZN Foundation is a section
cultivate a strong relationship with all donors, which 18A entity therefore donations are tax deductible.
typically consists of trusts, foundations, businesses, In addition, spending may be claimed for B-BBEE
scorecard points.
While the UKZN Foundation is generally well
supported, the current economic climate has resulted
in many budgets being cut, which has reduced
the corporate social investment (CSI) spend. “It is
important to note that there is more to giving than
just meeting B-BBEE scorecard goals. There are
also intangible rewards. This is apparent in the ‘feel
good’ that results from giving. Giving is good not
only for yourself but also for society. Potential and
current donors are encouraged to give the gift of
knowledge,” said Prof Singh.
Often the need for investment in higher education
is overlooked when CSI spend is allocated. However,
in order for the South African economy to grow, as
well as to address the limitations for industry sectors
where scare skills exist, higher education must
continue to be a priority. Educating our citizens is
not only vital for our country’s economic growth but
also empowers many of our youth to move beyond
the constraints of poverty. Prof Singh commented,
“While ‘fees must fall’ raised many legitimate
concerns, we need to continue to proactively look for
funding. The missing middle, who come from families
with income levels above the National Student
Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) threshold, but who

124